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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — In a dramatic showdown, LeQuint Allen propelled Syracuse to a thrilling 38-31 triumph over Virginia Tech by scoring a 1-yard touchdown run just 29 seconds before the end of regulation, ultimately forcing overtime. Allen then added a 9-yard rushing touchdown in the extra period, enabling Syracuse to overcome a considerable deficit, having trailed 21-3 midway through the third quarter.
Kyle McCord spearheaded the Syracuse offense (6-2, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), leading the team to a 24-21 advantage in the fourth quarter through two significant pass completions to Justus Ross-Simmons, who caught passes for 28 and 55 yards. These were Ross-Simmons’ first career touchdowns, complementing Allen’s 1-yard touchdown run, marking the first of his trio of scores for the game.
Virginia Tech (5-4, 3-2 ACC) had a last-minute replacement at quarterback, Collin Schlee, who was making his first start. Schlee managed to pass for one touchdown and run for another, but the Hokies were unable to secure their fourth successive victory.
Following Syracuse’s fourth-quarter lead, Virginia Tech staged a comeback drive, culminating in Malachi Thomas scoring a 15-yard touchdown to take back the lead at 28-24 with just over eleven minutes remaining. Later, a 27-yard field goal from John Love appeared to give the Hokies a firm hold on the game with only 5:16 left on the clock.
However, Syracuse didn’t back down, orchestrating a 14-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in Allen’s 1-yard rushing touchdown, knotting the game at 31. Once overtime commenced, after Allen’s touchdown, Schlee fumbled the ball at Syracuse’s 14-yard line, which Fadil Diggs recovered, sealing the Orange’s victory.
Already facing challenges, Virginia Tech ruled out starter Kyron Drones shortly before kickoff due to a lower-body injury. The Hokies also missed running back Bhayshul Tuten, who ranks fifth in the nation with 950 rushing yards this season. Schlee completed 16 of 24 passes for 206 yards, while the Hokies’ ground game managed 249 rushing yards collectively.
On the other hand, McCord completed 24 of 35 pass attempts for 280 yards, with Allen being the standout on the ground, amassing 121 yards from 21 carries.
Looking forward, Virginia Tech reflects on a disappointing loss after holding a leading position, yet Schlee’s performance suggests he could be a solid backup option. For Syracuse, the victory sets up a positive trajectory for the rest of the season, with upcoming matches against Boston College, California, and UConn before facing No. 5 Miami in the season finale.
In the next round of games, Virginia Tech will host No. 11 Clemson on Saturday, while Syracuse will travel to face Boston College.
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